Share with friends or save for later...

I've been a professional classical guitarist for many years and have performed at hundreds of weddings. This is my top 20 list of the most popular songs I've been asked to perform, and my personal suggestions for the perfect classical guitar wedding music.

J S Bach, BWV 1007

Originally written for cello. I thought it a very classy and emotive choice which I played as the bride approached through a flowered garden.

“Close To You” by The Carpenters

It’s a winning formula when you have a great romantic song, familiar to many, and well transcribed for guitar.

“I Do I Do I Do” by Abba

Highly relevant and slightly camp.

“More Than Words” by Extreme

An acoustic power ballad that has been consistently popular for the last 20 years, and I’ve been asked to play it more than words.... I mean more than once.

“Gymnopedie No 1” by Eric Satie

A sparse and very tranquil classical piece which I was playing at a bridal fair when a lady rushed up, clasped my arm fervently and said: “I don’t know what that’s called, but I want it played at my wedding.

“Recuerdos de Alhambra” by Francisco Tarrega

This piece uses a tremolo technique to produce a sound reminiscent of the flowing water at the palace of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This effect also gives it an irresistibly romantic sound.

“The Wedding March” by Mendelssohn

This and “Here comes the bride”, is usually played on the church organ by an enthusiastic but not always proficient elderly spinster of the parish. Works well for guitar though.

“You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” by Stevie Wonder

Chosen for a swooning bride by her adoring groom.

“In My Life” by The Beatles

I often play it during the signing of the register, and if you want something simple to declare your undying love, this says it all really.

“I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” by Elvis

Much joyful sobbing when I was again asked to play this during the signing.

“Hallelujah” Leonard Cohen’s

It has the right blend of the sacred and the romantic to take it into our top 10.

Prelude BWV 1007 by Bach

People often think of a song’s heartfelt and loving words when they hear the guitar play its melody. However, classical pieces have to rely on melody alone to convey a romantic or joyful mood, and this piece, originally written for cello, does just that.

“Your Song” by Elton John

Flattery can get you anywhere, and saying “How wonderful life is, while you’re in the world” to your future partner, will almost guarantee a lifetime of devotion. “Your Song” by Elton John proves there’s more to him than tantrums and tiaras.

“Fields Of Gold” by Sting

Also made famous by Eva Cassidy, a simple and very effective melody makes this a winner with many couples.

“Romance de Amor” by Anon.

The title may not ring any bells, but when you hear the tune you’ll say: “Oh that one! How lovely!” He’s written a lot of great stuff has anon.

“Romeo And Juliet” by Dire Straits

This tune touches a chord with many. A melancholy guitar riff, with a love story theme.

“Something” by George Harrison

Arguably the Beatles best love song. Prospective married couples tend to agree, and I’ve been asked to play this classic many, many times.

“Ave Maria” by Schubert

A traditional favourite, associated with wedding ceremonies for many years. It will give your wedding that sacred and blessed feeling you’ve been looking for.

“Cavatina” by Stanley Myers

The theme from the Deer Hunter. It became one of the most famous guitar pieces of all time, thanks to the guitarist John Williams. A lady once asked me: “If you can play that at our wedding, it will make our day”. I could and it did.

“Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel

A Baroque bullet, from the 17th century, not just played on classical guitar but on organ, piano, with string quartets and ukuleles. I don’t know if Pachelbel had wedding ceremonies in mind when he wrote this, but it's gorgeous chord sequence with many repeated variations, produces such a profound and moving effect that it has been the No.1 choice at weddings for the past 300 years, and judging by how many times I am asked to play this, it’ll be No.1 for the next 300.

Some artists may appear with the kind co-operation and consent of their respective management companies.

This service is intended for personal use only and no part of the service may be displayed in public, broadcast or used for any business purpose without the consent of Alive Network. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our services and web content, we accept no responsibility for any use made of the information provided and we shall not be liable for any loss suffered thereby.